I currently wear two hats. The first hat is I am a Berkeley Computer Science Education PhD candidate. I spend a lot of time researching and writing my dissertation. I do most of my work around artificial intelligence and how people reason (human cognition); I'm working on applying that to how people learn. The second hat is I help Google with strategy surrounding nonprofit investment in computer science education. There, I manage a $15M CSEd portfolio and work to grow that portfolio.
CAREER
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$98,220
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+20.8% (much faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Do
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Other Job Titles Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers May Have
Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I go to collaborative meetings where we discuss different designs, ideas, and challenges. I also sit at my desk and do research/learn. Much of what I do is planning ahead and making lists. When the time comes, I use my research and lists to test the software. I go through all the different scenarios a user might encounter and report any issues I find. I send emails to coordinate work and ask questions.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (50%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Post-secondary certificate
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Computer Science
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Computer Science
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Critical thinking, basic computer skills (word processing, web browsing/using search engines...), communication (written and verbal), basic science (understanding info-graphs, scientific method/testing).
Learn to present your ideas in a pleasant and simple way that everyone can understand.
Learn to appreciate everyone that you work with for their unique comtribution.
Learn to prioritize and focus - plan your work and work the plan.
Also know when to put the pencil down and take a break.
Talk to people. This is so important, you learn so much just by starting conversations.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Learn how you learn. Being self-aware and practicing learning as a skill will help you. Learn about people and the world - learn to see things from different perspectives. Practice giving and receiving criticism gracefully. Also, I suggest developing some computer proficiency (whether it's making an app, using spreadsheets, something artistic, or playing video games, get comfortable at something that uses software and keep building on that knowledge).
Get an engineering or computer science degree. That is where the world of QA is heading and it will give you an advantage. Get an ISTQB certification. That helps build the foundation of what QA is about and what your purpose is in the engineering process. Take some Agile courses and do some reading to learn as much as you can about the processes behind QA.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
